I’m getting excited. I’m about two weeks away from the First Annual Pasadena Litfest (for real this time!), and I’m really excited. My health is improved, and my writing is back on track. I can’t wait to mingle with writers I admire and learn a thing or two from their tricks bag. I will also get to visit with my good friends and have a little vacation.
In other news, I had a radio interview with Straylight Magazine’s podcast (out of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside). They originally published my short story, “The Reincarnation of Chamunda,” a couple years ago, so when I informed them about my new novel, they were interested in interviewing me as part of their author series. The interview was a lot of fun, and also nice preparation for the litfest. Dean Karpowicz (Professor at the University as well as Editor of the magazine) and Kelsey Hoff (Reviews Editor) asked me so many thought-provoking, insightful questions, it felt like being back in school again among bibliophiles and having those long literary conversations over drinks and not ever feeling tired even though the sun has gone down and you know you have other things to do. I had an awesome time. Thank you, Dean and Kelsey, for taking such care with my novel as well as for all of the kind things you said. I will post a link to the podcast once it’s live.
In terms of rejection, I received a quick one from Third Coast — a whopping four days! Did they read it? I don’t know. I really doubt it. I submitted an essay that I have worked a long time on, one that has solicited personalized rejections from bigger journals. They are nearing their deadline, so I wonder if they just rejected everything after a certain date. UGH! I support them. I enter their contests and therefore subscribe to their journal. I read it. Some of the material in there is not that good. I don’t think I will submit here again nor will I support them either.
